Third-Party Candidates Discuss Platforms At Wayne Candidates Night

WAYNE, N.J. — Two minor party candidates vying for to represent New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, Jeff Hetrick and Thomas Depasquale, attended a League of Women Voters candidates' night Wednesday.

Hetrick is a Libertarian candidate and Depasquale is running on the Financial Independence ticket. Incumbent Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen and Democrat Joseph Wenzel did not attend.

Both men spoke about their platforms, with Depasquale stating that he is "running to work for you, the citizens of New Jersey," the League of Women Voters said in a press release.

"You shouldn't be afraid to leave your party line as you can see, the two main parties weren't even represented tonight," Depasquale said in the release.

Hetrick offered that a Libertarian would be a benefit as somewhat of a "go between" to bring the Republicans and Democrats to the table in an effort to balance decisions in the best interest of New Jersey residents.

Depasquale shared that his long history of hard work contrasts Felinghuysen's, whose long career in public service has him removed from the real needs of New Jersey residents. Felinghuysen was first elected to Congress in 1994.

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Thomas Depasquale and Jeff Hetrick at the League of Women Voters candidates' night Wednesday. — Photo courtesy of Robbin Gulino